Apple is set to acquire Pixelmator, the software developer known for its AI-enhanced image editing applications for iPhone and Mac. Pixelmator announced the news on Friday via a blog post, marking a significant acquisition in the tech giant’s ongoing push into AI and photo editing.

Founded in Lithuania in 2007, Pixelmator has carved out a reputation for offering powerful yet user-friendly alternatives to Adobe Photoshop. The company’s suite includes Pixelmator and Pixelmator Pro for advanced image editing, as well as Photomator, a dedicated photo editing app. Over the years, Apple has frequently featured Pixelmator’s apps during its high-profile events, and in 2018, Pixelmator Pro was named Apple’s “Mac App of the Year.” Apple commended Pixelmator’s commitment to integrating AI and machine learning, which enables functions like removing unwanted objects from photos and enhancing images with one-touch color adjustments.

In its blog post, Pixelmator shared, “We’ve been inspired by Apple from the start, shaping our products with the same uncompromising focus on design, usability, and performance.”

Apple’s acquisition strategy has historically focused on smaller-scale purchases that allow it to directly integrate new products or personnel into its existing ecosystem, rather than major acquisitions. Details on the financial terms of the Pixelmator deal were not disclosed by either company.

According to Pixelmator, no immediate changes are planned for Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, or Photomator, signaling that Apple may take a gradual approach with these apps.

This acquisition aligns with Apple’s recent advancements in AI-driven photo editing. Just this week, Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, a new suite of AI tools that includes “Clean Up,” a feature designed to remove people or objects from images with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

Apple has a track record of acquiring popular apps that have previously been spotlighted in its product launches and award events. For example, in 2020, Apple acquired Dark Sky, a well-regarded weather app, and subsequently integrated its features into the iPhone’s default Weather app. In 2017, Apple bought Workflow, an automation app that later evolved into the iPhone’s Shortcuts feature and laid the foundation for a more versatile Siri.

With Pixelmator now joining Apple’s fold, users and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see how the company might incorporate Pixelmator’s innovative technology into its future AI-driven features.

Source